The Ministry of Education (MOE) engaged Signal Management Group
to manage a two stage development to merge the Mosgiel Intermediate
School (year 7 and 8) with Taieri College (year 9 to 13) as part of
the Taieri area rationalisation programme.
Stage One encompassed planning a $2.5M, 14 classroom block on a
green fields site. This had formed part of the Taieri College site
prior to the pending merger decision by the Ministry of Education.
The project was to be designed and constructed in an extremely
tight timeframe.
Key influences in the design of Stage One included:
- Classrooms designed around a central "hub", divided by a
removable partition allowing the classrooms to share either a
central space in isolation or with other classrooms
- Providing a secure, yet integrated, site for the year 7 and 8
students
- Selection of building materials and methodology which would
facilitate fast construction.
In addition to this work Signal managed the upgrade of the
existing heating system. This encompassed replacing of the boilers
($250K) and upgrading the horticultural facilities ($190K).
Stage Two involved the planning and construction of a new
technology block ($2.35M) for year 7 and 8 students. It included
new hard materials, textiles and food technology classrooms.
Key influences in the design of this complex included:
- Design allowing easy access for neighbouring schools sharing
the technology facilities
- Design creating a permanent and technological feel to the
college
- Integrating the design to link with the existing technology
facilities